System and method for processing bank notes

ABSTRACT

A system and a method for processing value documents comprises a multiplicity of bank-note processing machines connected and arranged to communicate with each other via a communication network, and which respectively have stored therein configuration data defining the operating configuration of a respective bank-note processing machine. At least a first bank-note processing machine is logically associated with a first local access service module, and at least a second bank-note processing machine is logically associated with a second local access service module. The system comprises a central master access service module having configuration data stored therein and in communication via the communication network with the first local access service module and the second local access service module. A change of the configuration data stored in the central master access service module leads to the configuration of the first bank-note processing machine and of the second bank-note processing machine being changed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and a method for processingvalue documents, in particular bank notes. The term “processing” ofvalue documents or bank notes is understood here to be in particular thecounting, checking and sorting of value documents or bank notes.

The present invention is employable in principle without restriction forany kind of sheet-like value documents. However, a special focus of thepresent invention lies on bank notes, so that hereinbelow the term “banknotes” will normally be employed for simplicity's sake instead of thegeneral term “value documents”, but this is not to be understood in arestrictive manner.

BACKGROUND

For processing bank notes there are employed bank-note processingmachines which usually consist of a plurality of portions or processingzones which are disposed one after the other and perform differentworking steps. The number, kind and arrangement of the portions can varydepending on the requirements for the processing of the bank notes.Typically, a bank-note processing machine comprises at least an inputportion with an input pocket, an operator control portion as well as anoutput portion having a plurality of output pockets. After being inputinto the input pocket, the bank notes are singled in the input portionand captured by sensors in a checking device in order to recognize thosebank notes that are no longer fit for taking part in bank-notecirculation. These are separated from the bank notes that are fit forcirculation and are output separately or destroyed, where applicable.The bank notes fit for circulation are transported further by means of atransport system of the bank-note processing machine and output in theoutput pockets of the output portion, being sorted for example accordingto the value of a bank note. Optionally, such a bank-note processingmachine can have a shredder module for destroying selected bank notesand/or modules for stacking or bundling processed bank notes. Thesequence of the bank-note processing can be controlled and monitored bythe operating person via a user interface which is usually located inthe operator control portion of the bank-note processing machine and canbe adapted for example as a touchscreen.

In particular when bank-note processing machines are used by centralbanks or major banks, there frequently occurs the case that a pluralityof partly identical bank-note processing machines are operated atdifferent sites which can be a far distance apart. Here there is oftenthe wish to hold uniform configuration data for operating the bank-noteprocessing machines on all these bank-note processing machines (or atleast a portion thereof) at the different sites. The term “configurationdata” is understood here as a general term for all kinds of datarelating to the operation of a bank-note processing machine, e.g.operating data which define the operating parameters (such as e.g. theprocessing speed) of a bank-note processing machine, classification datawhich define parameters for classifying bank notes, security settingdata which define the security settings (such as e.g. the passwordlength) of a bank-note processing machine, and the like.

SUMMARY

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object ofproviding a system and a method allowing a multiplicity of bank-noteprocessing machines at different sites to be provided in a fail-safe andautomatic manner with configuration data for operating a respectivebank-note processing machine, to thereby synchronize the bank-noteprocessing machines and be able to ensure a uniform operation of themultiplicity of bank-note processing machines.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matterof claim 1. A corresponding method for processing bank notes is thesubject matter of the independent method claim. Advantageousdevelopments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a systemfor processing value documents, in particular bank notes. The systemcomprises a multiplicity of bank-note processing machines which areconnected and can communicate with each other via a communicationnetwork and which respectively have stored therein configuration datawhich define the operating configuration of a respective bank-noteprocessing machine. At least a first bank-note processing machine islogically associated with a first local access service module, and atleast a second bank-note processing machine is logically associated witha second local access service module. Further, the system comprises acentral master access service module which likewise has configurationdata stored therein and which is in communication with the first localaccess service module and the second local access service module via thecommunication network. The central master access service module, thefirst local access service module and the second local access servicemodule define a logical hierarchy of access service modules in the formof a tree structure, in which the central master access service moduleconstitutes the root of the tree structure and is adapted such that achange of the configuration data stored in the central master accessservice module leads to the changed configuration data beingautomatically transferred via the hierarchy of access service modulesand the first and second local access service modules contained thereinto the first bank-note processing machine and the second bank-noteprocessing machine, and leading there to a change of the configurationdata and thus of the configuration of the first bank-note processingmachine and of the second bank-note processing machine.

In those levels of the hierarchy of access service modules in the formof a tree structure that lie below the root, i.e. the central masteraccess service module, both the first and second local access servicemodules, along with further local access service modules, and bank-noteprocessing machines can be disposed and thus be logically associatedwith the central master access service module. On the respective leavesof the hierarchy of access service modules in the form of a treestructure there is preferably respectively disposed a bank-noteprocessing machine which is associated with a local access servicemodule (or, where applicable, the central master access service module)of a higher level of the hierarchy of access service modules. The localaccess service modules of a lower level are logically associated withthe local access service modules of the next higher level.

The “distribution” of uniform configuration data thus preferably beginsat the central master access service module, which ensures that theconfiguration data are first relayed in a fail-safe manner to the localaccess service modules and bank-note processing machines logicallyassociated with the central master access service module, to be relayedfrom there to bank-note processing machines and/or further local accessservice modules of a lower level. In this manner, the configuration dataare propagated “downward” along the logical hierarchy defined by theaccess service modules.

The local access service modules are preferably adapted as softwarewhich is stored and executed on a respective local server. Preferably, alocal server on which a local access service module is stored, togetherwith the at least one bank-note processing machine that is logicallyassociated with this local access service module, is part of a localnetwork. Alternatively or additionally, a local access service modulecan be adapted as software which is stored and executed on one of themultiplicity of bank-note processing machines. According to yet anotheralternative, an access service module can be adapted substantially ashardware e.g. in the form of an access service gateway.

Preferably, the central master access service module is stored assoftware on a central server and executed there. Alternatively, thecentral master access service module can also be implemented on one ofthe multiplicity of bank-note processing machines.

According to an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that thecentral master access service module is arranged for distributing thechanged configuration data only to selected local access service modulesand/or selected bank-note processing machines. A corresponding filterfunction can additionally or alternatively also be implemented on thelocal access service modules.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central master access servicemodule is adapted for providing the changed configuration data withactivation times and/or deactivation times such that a bank-noteprocessing machine can be operated with the changed configuration dataonly within a period of validity defined by an activation time and/or adeactivation time. This makes it possible to define through the centralmaster access service module for example a time that is uniform for allbank-note processing machines as of when changed configuration data canbe employed for operation.

According to a preferred embodiment, connection data for setting up aconnection with the local access service module with which a bank-noteprocessing machine is associated, e.g. the IP address of this localaccess service module, are stored in the bank-note processing machine.In this case, the logical association of a bank-note processing machinewith a local access service module is effected by reason of theconnection data stored in the bank-note processing machine.Alternatively, a bank-note processing machine can be adapted forsearching independently for a local access service module, e.g. in theLAN in which the bank-note processing machine is integrated.

Preferably, a respective bank-note processing machine is adapted forautomatically logging in, at the start-up of the bank-note processingmachine, to the local access service module with which the bank-noteprocessing machine is logically associated, and logging out from thislocal access service module again when the bank-note processing machineis switched off. Since the connection data stored in a bank-noteprocessing machine can further contain e.g. the IP address of thebank-note processing machine, the log-in at the start-up of a bank-noteprocessing machine can preferably be effected by the bank-noteprocessing machine transmitting the connection data stored there,including the bank-note processing machine's IP address, to the localaccess service module with which this bank-note processing machine islogically associated.

In this connection, a respective local access service module ispreferably adapted for relaying the connection data which such a localaccess service module receives from the bank-note processing machinesand/or from the local access service modules of a lower level which arelogically associated with this local access service module, to the localaccess service module of a higher level with which this local accessservice module is logically associated, such that the connection dataare propagated upward to the central master access service module alongthe hierarchy of local access service modules. This preferred embodimentmakes it possible to access all local bank-note processing machines andall bank-note processing machines of the subordinate local accessservice modules from a local access service module directly (i.e.without any detours via local access service modules of lower levels).Further, this preferred embodiment allows the central master accessservice module to be able to produce a connection with all bank-noteprocessing machines of the total system. This preferred embodiment isadvantageous in particular for the real-time monitoring of the bank-noteprocessing machines or for requesting status reports of the bank-noteprocessing machines.

According to a preferred embodiment, a bank-note processing machine isadapted for transmitting, during operation, after the bank-noteprocessing machine has logged in to the local access service module withwhich the bank-note processing machine is logically associated, anactive signal to this local access service module, preferably at regulartime intervals, in order to indicate to this local access service modulethat the relevant bank-note processing machine is in operation oron-line. In this preferred embodiment, there is preferably maintained bythe local access service module a list specifying the bank-noteprocessing machines that are logically associated with the local accessservice module, including their connection data, e.g. the IP addressesof the bank-note processing machines, as well as their operating states,e.g. on-line or off-line.

A local access service module is preferably respectively adapted suchthat when one of the bank-note processing machines associated with thislocal access service module is not on-line, the local access servicemodule only relays changes of the configuration data to this bank-noteprocessing machine as soon as said machine is on-line again.

Preferably, a local access service module is adapted such that when theconnection data of a bank-note processing machine, e.g. its IP addressor its port number, change, they are automatically updated in the localaccess service module with which this bank-note processing machine isassociated. Advantageously, this preferred embodiment allows theemployment of DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol).

Preferably, the configuration data that are stored in the central masteraccess service module, in the local access service modules and in thebank-note processing machines further contain security setting datawhich relate to the security settings of a respective bank-noteprocessing machine, such as for example the minimum length of userpasswords, the length of the password history, or the number of failedlog-in attempts until a user account is locked. According to a preferredembodiment, the security setting data contain local security settingdata and global security setting data. The central master access servicemodule and the local access service modules are adapted here such thatthe local security setting data are distributed only to those bank-noteprocessing machines that are logically associated directly or indirectly(i.e. via one or more further local access service modules of lowerlevels) with a certain local access service module for which these localsecurity settings are to hold, and the global security settings aredistributed to all bank-note processing machines. According to theinvention, such a distinction between local and global data is alsoconceivable for the other kinds of data described here, e.g. theconfiguration data.

Preferably, at least one of the multiplicity of bank-note processingmachines comprises a checking device with which measuring data of banknotes processed with the bank-note processing machine are captured. Thelocal access service module with which this bank-note processing machineis associated is adapted for relaying the measuring data arising on thebank-note processing machine to the central master access service modulewhich the other local access service modules can access, to be analyzedthere, where applicable. This makes it possible for example that themeasuring data and, where applicable, analysis data of bank-noteprocessing machines are retrievable also from spatially remote sites,e.g. by means of a further bank-note processing machine or a separateclient computer on which suitable evaluation/analysis software isinstalled.

Preferably, the central master access service module interacts with aserial-number management application which is adapted for maintaining acentral serial-number archive. Said serial-number management applicationincorporates serial numbers that are extracted from the measuring datawhich are respectively provided by the checking device of a bank-noteprocessing machine. Preferably, this extraction of the serial numbers iseffected locally on the bank-note processing machines.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central masteraccess service module interacts with a servicing application which isadapted for determining a respective bank-note processing machine's needfor servicing on the basis of operating data of the bank-note processingmachine which are made available to the central master access servicemodule via the logical hierarchy of access service modules, and forprompting the servicing of a bank-note processing machine, whereapplicable.

Although the hereinabove described applications are preferablyimplemented together with the central master access service module onthe central server, it is likewise conceivable according to the presentinvention that one of these applications can also be implemented on alocal server or a bank-note processing machine, in order to access datafrom there, e.g. the measuring data provided by the bank-note processingmachines and stored on the central server.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for processing value documents, in particular bank notes, bymeans of a multiplicity of bank-note processing machines. The methodcomprises the step of logically associating a first bank-note processingmachine with a first local access service module, and a second bank-noteprocessing machine with a second local access service module, whereinthe bank-note processing machines are connected and can communicate witheach other via a communication network, and the bank-note processingmachines respectively have stored therein configuration data whichdefine the operating configuration of a respective bank-note processingmachine. Further, the method comprises the step of providing a centralmaster access service module which likewise has configuration datastored therein and which is in communication with the first local accessservice module and the second local access service module via thecommunication network. The central master access service module, thefirst local access service module and the second local access servicemodule define a logical hierarchy of access service modules in the formof a tree structure, in which the central master access service moduleconstitutes the root of the tree structure and is adapted such that achange of the configuration data stored in the central master accessservice module leads to the changed configuration data beingautomatically transferred via the hierarchy of access service modules inthe form of a tree structure and the first and second local accessservice modules contained therein to the first bank-note processingmachine and the second bank-note processing machine, and leading thereto a change of the configuration data and thus of the configuration ofthe first bank-note processing machine and of the second bank-noteprocessing machine.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the hereinabovedescribed preferred embodiments can be advantageously implemented withinthe framework of the first aspect of the invention, i.e. within theframework of a system for processing value documents, as well as withinthe framework of the second aspect of the invention, i.e. within theframework of a method for processing value documents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, advantages and objects of the invention can be foundin the following detailed description of several exemplary embodimentsand alternative embodiments. Reference is made to the drawings, in whichthere are shown:

FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a systemfor processing bank notes,

FIG. 2 a schematic detail view of a bank-note processing machine of thesystem for processing bank notes of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 a schematic representation of the logical association of thebank-note processing machines of the system of FIG. 1 with respectiveaccess service modules implemented in the system, according to apreferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 10 for processingbank notes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Thesystem 10 comprises a plurality of bank-note processing machines, namelythe bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64, which arerespectively integrated into a local network (local area network; LAN),namely the LANs 30, 40, 50 and 60. The LAN 30 consists by way of exampleof the two bank-note processing machines 32 and 34 and a client computer36. The LAN 40 consists by way of example of the bank-note processingmachine 42 and a local server 44. The LAN 50 comprises by way ofexample, besides the bank-note processing machine 52 and a clientcomputer 54, a central server 56 which can be connected to a database 58for keeping large amounts of data. The LAN 60, which comprises by way ofexample the bank-note processing machines 62 and 64, is by way ofexample a subnetwork of the LAN 40.

In the preferred embodiment represented in FIG. 1, the LANs 30, 40, 50and 60 are interconnected via a communication network 20 such that theircomponents can communicate with each other. The communication network 20can be for example a public wide area network (in particular theInternet) or a non-public wide area network (e.g. the non-public networkof a major bank).

FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the exemplary bank-note processing machine42, which can, but need not, be identically constructed to the otherbank-note processing machines 32, 34, 52, 62 and 64 represented inFIG. 1. However, the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 52, 62 and 64will usually have similar components to the bank-note processing machine42, in particular an input portion, a checking device, a control deviceand an output portion.

On the face or front side, the bank-note processing machine 42 has aninput pocket 42 a into which a stack of bank notes can be inserted forprocessing by the bank-note processing machine 42, as indicatedschematically in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment represented in FIG.2, the bank notes are inserted into the input pocket 42 a with theirlong side or longitudinal side facing an operating person sitting orstanding in front of the bank-note processing machine 42. The bank notesare singled out of the input pocket 42 a by means of a suitable singlingdevice (not shown) and transferred to a first portion of a followingtransport system 42 b of the bank-note processing machine 42, whichfirst feeds the singled bank notes to a checking device 42 c. As isknown to the person skilled in the art, the transport system 42 c of thebank-note processing machine 42 can be realized for example by means ofa multiplicity of guiding or diverting elements and belt-driven drivingrollers. By means of the checking device 42 c there can be testedselectable criteria of a bank note being moved through the checkingdevice 42 c. Depending on this check, the bank notes are fed, in thefurther course of the transport system 42 c of the bank-note processingmachine 42, to one of the output pockets 42 h-k preferably through thesuitable actuation of a multiplicity of gate devices. On the face orfront side of the bank-note processing machine 42 there is furtherprovided a touchscreen 42 g on which information about the operatingstate of the bank-note processing machine 42 can be displayed and/or theuser can make changes in the operating state of the bank-note processingmachine 42.

Specifically, the bank-note processing machine 42 represented in FIG. 2works as follows. The bank notes inserted into the input pocket 42 a arefed by means of the singling device consecutively, bank note by banknote, to the transport system 42 b of the bank-note processing machine42. The transport system 42 b transports the bank notes and guides themthrough the checking device 42 c which is adapted for determiningmeasuring data with regard to at least one physical (e.g. optical)property of a bank note guided through the checking device 42 c. Thethus determined measuring data of the bank note are employed by acontrol device 42 d, connected to the checking device 42 c, of thebank-note processing machine 42 for associating the bank note with acertain class by comparing the measuring data with classification datastored in the control device 42 d, and for feeding it to one of theoutput pockets 42 h-k according to this classification. The possibleclasses from which one can be selected are for example the denominationsof the different bank notes. Possible classes can then be provided forexample for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro notes. However, theestablishment of a class can in general also be effected with regard toauthenticity and/or fitness, i.e. the suitability of the bank note forreuse. The individual possible classes then reflect for exampledifferent degrees of authenticity or fitness of the bank notes, such asfor example “authentic”, “circulable”, “to be destroyed”, and the like.Preferably, the checking device 42 c is a device having suitable lightsources and/or sound sources and optical/acoustic sensors for measuringoptical/acoustic properties, e.g. the absorption behavior and/orreflection behavior, of a bank note in one or more selected wavelengthregions, and thus for producing measuring data of a respective banknote.

In the preferred embodiment represented in FIG. 2, the control device 42d of the bank-note processing machine 42 comprises a processor unit 42 eand a memory unit 42 f The control device 42 c may, according to apreferred embodiment of the invention, be an industrial PC or acorresponding mainboard. The memory unit 42 f of the control device 42d, which may be e.g. a non-volatile memory in the form of a fixed-diskmemory or a flash memory, preferably has installed thereon aconventional PC operating system, e.g. Windows or Linux. Besides theoperating system, the memory unit 42 f of the control unit 42 d can haveinstalled thereon further software modules which provide certainapplications, for example for operating the bank-note processing machine42 or for processing the measuring data provided by the checking device42 c.

The memory unit 42 f of the control unit 42 d further has stored thereinconfiguration data which define different operating parameters, i.e. acertain operating configuration or a certain operating state of thebank-note processing machine 42. Preferably, the configuration datacontain the hereinabove mentioned classification data which the controlunit 42 d employs, together with the measuring data obtained from a banknote, for classifying a bank note. For example, the classification datacan define a maximum threshold value for a bank note's degree ofsoiling. If a corresponding measurement value related to a bank note'sdegree of soiling, which may be a directly measured measurement value ora measurement value derived from other measurement values and which ispart of the measuring data provided by the checking device 42 c, exceedsthe maximum threshold value for a bank note's degree of soiling, thecontrol unit 42 d can classify the corresponding bank note as no longerfit for circulation and feed it to an output pocket intended for suchbank notes, for example to one of the output pockets 42 h-k.

As can be taken from the schematic representation of FIG. 3, thebank-note processing machine 42 (BBM 42) is logically associated with alocal access service module 47 (LZDM 47) according to the invention. Aswill be described in detail hereinafter, the local access service module47 is adapted in particular for managing information about the bank-noteprocessing machines that are associated with this local access service(in this case the bank-note processing machine 42), and further forcontrolling the flow of data from and to these bank-note processingmachines.

The local access service module 47 is preferably adapted as softwarewhich is stored and executed on the local server 44. As alreadydescribed in connection with FIG. 1, the local server 44 on which thelocal access service module 47 is stored, together with the bank-noteprocessing machine 42 which is logically associated with this localaccess service module 47, constitutes part of the local network 40.

Instead of being implemented on a local server, as is the case with thelocal access service module 47 implemented on the local server 44, alocal access service module can also be implemented on a bank-noteprocessing machine. As can be taken from FIG. 3 again, the bank-noteprocessing machines 32 and 34 are for example logically associated withthe local access service module 37. Physically, the local access servicemodule 37 could be implemented, however, on the bank-note processingmachine 32 or the bank-note processing machine 34 which are part of thelocal network 30. According to yet another alternative, a local accessservice module can also be adapted as a hardware component e.g. in theform of an access service gateway.

Preferably, the local access service module 37 and the local accessservice module 47 are part of the logical hierarchy of access servicemodules in the form of a tree structure that is schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 3. The root of this logical hierarchy of accessservice modules in the form of a tree structure is constituted by acentral master access service module 57 (master ZDM 57), which ispreferably stored and executed as software on the central server 56. Ascan be taken from FIG. 1, the central master access service module 57implemented on the central server 56 is physically in communication viathe communication network 20 with the local access service module 37,which can be implemented for example on the bank-note processing machine32, and with the local access service module 47, which is implemented onthe local server 44.

In the logical hierarchy of access service modules in the form of a treestructure as defined by the central master access service module 57, thelocal access service module 37 and the local access service module 47,the local access service module 37 and the local access service module47 are located a level below the central master access service module57, i.e. a level below the root of the tree structure. At this levelthere is likewise located the bank-note processing machine 52 which,like the central server 56, is part of the local network 50 and islogically associated with the central master access service module 57.

Besides the bank-note processing machine 42, there is logicallyassociated with the local access service module 47 a further localaccess service module 67 which is disposed a level lower than the localaccess service module 47 in the logical hierarchy of access servicemodules in the form of a tree structure as represented in FIG. 3.Logically associated with the local access service module 67 are thebank-note processing machines 62 and 64 which are part of the subnetwork60 of the local network 40.

As can be taken from FIG. 3, there is preferably respectively located onthe “leaves” of the logical hierarchy of access service modules in theform of a tree structure a bank-note processing machine, namely thebank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64, which arelogically associated with the local access service modules 37, 47 and 67or, in the case of the bank-note processing machine 52, directly withthe central master access service module 57.

Preferably, the central server 56 and/or the database 58 have storedthereon centrally configuration data which define the operatingconfiguration of the bank-note processing machines. The central masteraccess service module 57 is preferably adapted here, by reason of thehierarchy of access service modules in the form of a tree structure asdescribed hereinabove in connection with FIG. 3, such that a change ofthe configuration data stored on the central server 56 and/or thedatabase 58 leads to the changed configuration data being relayed viathe hierarchy of access service modules to the bank-note processingmachines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 located on the “leaves” of the treestructure, and said machines being operated on the basis of the changedconfiguration data, i.e. the configuration data stored there beingreplaced by the changed configuration data. In the case of the bank-noteprocessing machines 32 and 34 or 42, a relaying of the changedconfiguration data is effected through the local access service module37 or 47. With the bank-note processing machines 62 and 64, the relayingof the changed configuration data is effected over two levels of thelogical hierarchy of local access service modules, namely over the localaccess service modules 47 and 67. The bank-note processing machine 52which is logically associated with the central master access servicemodule 57 receives the changed configuration data directly from thecentral master access service module 57.

Instead of relaying the changed configuration data to all bank-noteprocessing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64, the central master accessservice module 57 can be adapted for distributing the changedconfiguration data only to selected local access service modules and/orselected bank-note processing machines. Corresponding filter settingscan also be made on the local access service modules 37, 47 and 67. Afurther option is that the central master access service module 57provides the changed configuration data with activation times and/ordeactivation times. This has the consequence that the bank-noteprocessing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 can be operated with thechanged configuration data only within the time period defined by anactivation time and/or a deactivation time. This makes it possible forexample to define a uniform time for all bank-note processing machines32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 as of when changed configuration data are to,or can, be employed for operation.

Preferably, the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64respectively have stored therein connection data for setting up aconnection with a respective local access service module 37, 47 or 67(or, in the case of the bank-note processing machine 52, with thecentral master access service module 57) with which a bank-noteprocessing machine 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 is associated. Theconnection data can contain e.g. the IP address and/or the port numberof the local access service module 37, 47 or 67 or of the physical uniton which the local access service module 37, 47 or 67 is implemented. Asthe person skilled in the art will appreciate, the logical associationof the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 62 and 64 with one ofthe local access service modules 37, 47 and 67 is effected in this caseby reason of the connection data respectively stored in the bank-noteprocessing machines. Alternatively or additionally, the logicalassociation of the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 62 and 64with one of the local access service modules 37, 47 or 67 can beeffected by a local access service module 37, 47 and 67 respectivelysearching independently for bank-note processing machines that arehitherto not logically associated, e.g. in the local network in whichthe local access service module 37, 47 or 67 is implemented.

As is indicated schematically in FIG. 3, the local access servicemodules can preferably respectively have stored therein connection data(e.g. IP address and/or port number) for setting up a connection with arespective local access service module of a higher level or, whereapplicable, with the central master access service module 57 with whicha respective local access service module is logically associated. Thus,in the preferred embodiment represented in FIG. 3, the local accessservice modules 37 and 47 have stored therein the connection data of thecentral master access service module 57, and the local access servicemodule 67 which is logically associated with the local access servicemodule 47 has stored therein the connection data of the local accessservice module 47.

Preferably, the local access service modules 37, 47 and 67 are adaptedsuch that when the connection data of one of the bank-note processingmachines 32, 34, 42, 62 or 64 change, e.g. its IP address or its portnumber, these are automatically updated in the local access servicemodule with which this bank-note processing machine is associated.Advantageously, this preferred embodiment allows the employment of DHCP(dynamic host configuration protocol).

The bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 arepreferably respectively adapted for automatically logging in, atstart-up, to the local access service module with which the bank-noteprocessing machine is logically associated, and logging out from thislocal access service module again when the bank-note processing machineis switched off. This can be effected for example by a bank-noteprocessing machine transmitting its IP address at start-up to the localaccess service module with which this bank-note processing machine islogically associated. Further, according to a preferred embodiment, thebank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 are respectivelyadapted for transmitting, during operation, after a bank-note processingmachine has logged in to the local access service module with which thebank-note processing machine is logically associated, an active signalto this local access service module, preferably at regular timeintervals, in order to indicate to this local access service module thatthe relevant bank-note processing machine is in operation. In thispreferred embodiment, there is preferably respectively maintained by thelocal access service modules 37, 47 and 67 a list specifying thebank-note processing machines that are logically associated with thelocal access service, including their connection data, e.g. the IPaddresses of the bank-note processing machines, as well as theiroperating states, e.g. on-line or off-line. Preferably, the local accessservice modules 37, 47 and 67 are respectively adapted such that whenone of the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 62 and 64associated with these local access service modules 37, 47 and 67 is noton-line, the relevant local access service module 37, 47 and 67 holdschanged configuration data until the relevant bank-note processingmachine is on-line again, to thereupon relay the changed configurationdata to the relevant bank-note processing machine.

According to a preferred embodiment, the local access service modules37, 47 and 67 are preferably adapted for relaying the connection datawhich the local access service modules 37, 47 and 67 receive from thebank-note processing machines 32, 34; 42 and 62, 64 to the centralmaster access service module 57 or, in the case of the local accessservice module 67, first to the local access service module 47 and fromthere to the central master access service module 57, such that theconnection data are propagated to the central master access servicemodule 57 upward along the hierarchy of local access service modules 37,47 and 67.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central server56 having the central master access service module 57 implementedthereon further has a serial-number management application implementedthereon. The serial-number management application preferably maintainson the database 58 a serial-number archive, in which newly determinedserial numbers of bank notes are stored and serial numbers of bank notesthat have already been entered can be retrieved. Said serial-numbermanagement application incorporates serial numbers that are extractedfor example by means of the control device of a bank-note processingmachine from the measuring data that are respectively provided by thechecking device of one of the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42,52, 62 and 64. Preferably, this extraction of the serial numbers iseffected locally on the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62and 64.

Preferably, the measuring data provided by the checking device of one ofthe bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 comprise forthis purpose image data of a respective bank note by which the serialnumber of a bank note can be determined. In the serial-number archivethe serial number determined for a bank note is preferably storedtogether with further data relating to the bank note, such as e.g. thebank-note value, the bank-note processing machine with which this banknote was processed, date and time of the processing, and the like. Bymeans of these serial-number data stored in the serial-number archive,the serial-number management application is able to supervise thebank-note circulation between the bank-note processing machines 32, 34,42, 52, 62 and 64 which are connected via the logical hierarchy ofaccess service modules, represented in FIG. 3, with the central masteraccess service module 57 implemented on the central server 56. Further,the serial-number management application is able for example to moreeasily recognize false money, or retrieve marked bank notes whose serialnumbers are known, using the serial-number archive.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central server56 having the central master access service module 57 implementedthereon further has a servicing application implemented thereon, whichis adapted for determining and supervising the need for servicing of arespective bank-note processing machine 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 on thebasis of operating data of the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42,52, 62 and 64 which are made available to the central master accessservice module 57 via the logical hierarchy of access service modulesrepresented in FIG. 3. The servicing application implemented on thecentral server 56 can for example determine the need for servicing of arespective bank-note processing machine 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 bycomparing the operating data (e.g. the bank-note throughput) of one ofthe bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 with theoperating data of the other bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42,52, 62 and 64. If this comparison yields a drop in performance of theone bank-note processing machine, the servicing application executed onthe central server 56 can prompt a servicing of this bank-noteprocessing machine. Alternatively or additionally, the servicingapplication provided on the central server 56 can prompt the servicingof one of the bank-note processing machines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 onthe basis of the operating data provided by the bank-note processingmachines 32, 34, 42, 52, 62 and 64 when for example the operating dataof this bank-note processing machine indicate that the latter hasprocessed a number of bank notes that is greater than a definablethreshold value. The operating data provided by a bank-note processingmachine can additionally contain for example information about the errorcases that have occurred in a bank-note processing machine, such as e.g.the malfunctioning of a component of a bank-note processing machine, theformation of a bank-note jam at a certain place in the bank-noteprocessing machine, and the like. Preferably, the servicing applicationimplemented on the central server 56 is arranged for prompting, byreason of the information about error cases occurring in bank-noteprocessing machines for example on average after the processing of acertain number of bank notes, the servicing of a bank-note processingmachine of this type in which this error case has hitherto not occurred.

Preferably, the configuration data that are stored in the central masteraccess service module and the bank-note processing machines furthercontain security setting data which relate to the security settings of arespective bank-note processing machine, such as for example the minimumlength of user passwords, the length of the password history or thenumber of failed log-in attempts until a user account is locked.According to a preferred embodiment, the security setting data containlocal security setting data and global security setting data. Thecentral master access service module and the local access servicemodules are adapted here such that the local security setting data aredistributed only to those bank-note processing machines that arelogically associated with certain local access service modules for whichthese local security settings are to hold, and the global securitysettings are distributed to all processing machines.

According to the invention, such a distinction between local and globaldata is also conceivable for the other kinds of data described here,e.g. the configuration data.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for processing value documents,wherein the system comprises: a multiplicity of bank-note processingmachines configured to communicate via a communication network and whichrespectively have stored therein configuration data, the configurationdata defining the operating configuration of a respective bank-noteprocessing machine, wherein said bank-note processing machines comprisesan input section, a checking device, at least two output sections havinga plurality of output pockets, and a transport system to transport abanknote from the input section past the checking device to one of theoutput pockets, and wherein at least a first bank-note processingmachine is logically associated with a first local access servicemodule, and at least a second bank-note processing machine is logicallyassociated with a second local access service module; and a centralmaster access service module which has configuration data stored thereinand which is in communication via the communication network with thefirst local access service module and the second local access servicemodule; wherein the central master access service module, the firstlocal access service module and the second local access service moduleform a logical hierarchy of access service modules in the form of a treestructure, in which the central master access service module constitutesthe root of the tree structure and is adapted such that a change of theconfiguration data stored in the central master access service moduleleads to the changed configuration data being automatically transferredvia the hierarchy of access service modules to the first and the secondbank-note processing machine, and leading there to a change of theconfiguration data of the first and the second bank-note processingmachine, and wherein the central master access service module isconfigured to provide the changed configuration data to selected ones ofthe local access service modules and/or selected ones of the bank-noteprocessing machines with activation times such that a bank-noteprocessing machine can be operated with the changed configuration dataonly within a period of validity defined by an activation time, orprovide the changed configuration data to selected ones of the localaccess service modules and/or selected ones of the bank-note processingmachines with deactivation times such that a bank-note processingmachine can be operated with the changed configuration data only withina period of validity defined by a deactivation time.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the central master access service moduleis configured to provide the changed configuration data to selected onesof the local access service modules and/or selected ones of thebank-note processing machines with activation times such that abank-note processing machine can be operated with the changedconfiguration data only within a period of validity defined by anactivation time.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein at leastone of the multiplicity of bank-note processing machines includes achecking device configured to recognize whether a bank note is fit forcirculation.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the centralmaster access service module is configured to provide the changedconfiguration data to selected ones of the local access service modulesand/or selected ones of the bank-note processing machines withdeactivation times such that a bank-note processing machine can beoperated with the changed configuration data only within a period ofvalidity defined by a deactivation time.
 5. The system according toclaim 3, wherein at least one of the multiplicity of bank-noteprocessing machines includes a checking device configured to recognizewhether a bank note is fit for circulation.
 6. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the local access service modules are adapted assoftware which is stored and executed on a respective local serverand/or is stored and executed on one of the multiplicity of bank-noteprocessing machines, and/or are adapted as hardware in the form of anaccess service gateway.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein thecentral master access service module is stored as software on a centralserver and executed there, or is implemented on one of the multiplicityof bank-note processing machines.
 8. The system according to claim 1,wherein there is respectively disposed on the respective leaves of thelogical hierarchy of access service modules in the form of a treestructure a bank-note processing machine which is logically associatedwith a local access service module of a higher level of the treestructure or with the master access service module.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the central master access service moduleis adapted for distributing the changed configuration data only toselected local access service modules and/or selected bank-noteprocessing machines, and/or the central master access service module isadapted for providing the changed configuration data with activationtimes and/or deactivation times such that a bank-note processing machinecan be operated with the changed configuration data only within a periodof validity defined by an activation time and/or a deactivation time.10. The system according to claim 1, wherein connection data for settingup a connection with the local access service module with which abank-note processing machine is associated are stored in the bank-noteprocessing machines, or the bank-note processing machines are adaptedfor searching independently for a local access service module.
 11. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the configuration data that arestored in the central master access service module and the bank-noteprocessing machines further contain security setting data, wherein thesecurity setting data contain local security setting data which aredistributed only to those bank-note processing machines that arelogically associated with certain local access service modules for whichthese local security settings are to hold, and global security settingdata which are distributed to all bank-note processing machines.
 12. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the central master access servicemodule interacts with a serial-number management application which isadapted for maintaining a central serial-number archive, wherein theserial-number management application incorporates serial numbers thatare extracted from the measuring data which are provided respectively bythe checking device of one of the bank-note processing machines, andwherein this extraction of the serial numbers is effected locally on thebank-note processing machines.
 13. The system according to claim 1,wherein the central master access service module interacts with aservicing application which is adapted for determining the need forservicing of a respective bank-note processing machine on the basis ofoperating data of the bank-note processing machines which are madeavailable to the central master access service module via the logicalhierarchy of access service modules, and for prompting the servicing ofa bank-note processing machine, where applicable.
 14. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first local access service module andthe second local access service module are adapted as software which isstored and executed on one of the multiplicity of bank-note processingmachines.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first localaccess service module and the second local access service module areadapted as hardware in the form of an access service gateway.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the configuration data that arestored in the central master access service module and the bank-noteprocessing machines further contain security setting data, the securitysetting data including local security setting data which are distributedonly to those bank-note processing machines that are logicallyassociated with certain local access service modules for which theselocal security settings are to hold.
 17. The system according to claim1, wherein the configuration data that are stored in the central masteraccess service module and the bank-note processing machines furthercontain security setting data, the security setting data includingglobal security setting data which are distributed to all bank-noteprocessing machines.
 18. The system according to claim 1, wherein thecentral master access service module interacts with a serial-numbermanagement application which is adapted to maintain a centralserial-number archive, and wherein the serial-number managementapplication stores serial numbers that are extracted from bank notesprocessed by one or more of the bank-note processing machines.
 19. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the multiplicity ofthe bank-note processing machines includes a shredder configured todestroy selected bank notes.